Light and Airy. Scottish Country Dancers of Winnipeg

Transcription

1 Light and Airy Scottish Country Dancers of Winnipeg Volume 44, Number 1 October 2012 Committee of Management 2012/13 Chair: Christine Wallace Vice Chair: Joyce Cormack Secretary: Gerri Stemler Treasurer: Joan Curle Light and Airy Editor: Heather Ferguson Social Secretary: Anne Morrison Membership: Debra Forrest Publicity: David Kroeker Demonstration: Agnes Brydon Library: Reg Curle Teachers Rep.: Maureen Burnham Webmaster: Sheila Careless From the Chair... When preparing this letter, I had plans to start with the first line from Keats poem Ode To Autumn, which is Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness, as fall is one of my favourite seasons. However, by the end of that week, it would have been more appropriate to quote O wert thou in the cauld blast by Robert Burns, as we received the first fall of snow accompanied by strong cold winds from the north. However, in the many years that I have lived in Manitoba, I have learned that as far as weather is concerned, one can expect the unexpected! What I can say is that no matter what the weather entails (blizzards excepted), we always enjoy our Scottish Country Dancing! The start of the season of dancing began with our Welcome Dance, held on Friday, September 14 th, and led by Maureen Burnham. It was very well attended, with many new faces. The following week all classes began, with the exception of the Demonstration Class. This included the new type of class for new dancers, called the Introductory Class to Scottish Country Dancing. The class now has a registration of 17, and all seem to be enjoying themselves. This is very exciting, but it is also a responsibility of all of us, that we make them feel welcome and part of the Branch. With this in mind, Maureen, their teacher, has extended an invitation to all Branch members to come and participate in the class, when they can.

2 Over two weeks ago, a request was received from Moira Thomson, the Events Co-ordinator at RSCDS Headquarters, inviting the Winnipeg Branch to compile the programme for the RSCDS AGM Ball, being held in Perth in 2013, the 90 th Anniversary of the Society. We were happy to accept. The teachers all put forward dance suggestions, and the programme has been compiled and sent off to Headquarters. Our delegate to this year s RSCDS AGM is Irene Whyte, secretary to the Inverness Branch. She has been sent the necessary information to vote on our behalf. She also represented us at last year s AGM. We also received information on the RSCDS Health Strategy from Headquarters. This strategy has been developed in response to the increasing evidence of the positive health benefits of regular, moderate and intense activity. It was formally launched on October 9, 2012 at Glasgow Caledonian University, following the 8 th World Conference on Active Aging. We will keep you informed as this progresses. An update on the Book of Dances and CD project for the Branch s Golden Jubilee: the dances have been chosen and the devisors notified. Ken Nattrass is working on the music arrangements for the dances, and other members of the project committee are working on the layout, etc. of the book of dances. Our thanks go to Jean Highmoor and Margaret Zadworny, who are participating in the Trans-Atlantic Sock Sampler, as mentioned in the last issue of the Light and Airy. I understand from Jean that she completed the matching sock to the one she chose, and has sent the pair back to Helmsdale in Scotland. In conclusion, I would like to say how honoured I was to represent the Branch at the Bicentennial Gala Dinner. It was a colourful and festive occasion. The dinner was delicious - all Manitoba grown! Various groups connected with these celebrations provided the entertainment throughout the evening, including the Demonstration Team, accompanied by Ken Nattrass on accordion and Ron Krug on keyboard. The team gave a wonderful performance, enhanced by having live music, and received many compliments, including a letter of appreciation, recommendation and thanks from the St. Andrew s Society of Winnipeg. The speeches given by Lord Selkirk and Dr. Duckworth were excellent, providing more historical insight to the journeys and the eventual Settlement of the Selkirk Settlers. All in all, it was an evening to remember. And now, on to the present day. As mentioned elsewhere in the newsletter, our next two events are A Tea and Bake Sale on Saturday, October 20 th, and a Ceilidh evening at St. Stephen and St Bede s Church Hall on Friday, November 2 nd. Until the next time, Happy Dancing! Sincerely, Christine Wallace 2012/13 Dance Season Friday September 14, 2012 Week of September 17 Welcome Dance, 7:30 pm No charge Fall Term classes begin (Regular and Introductory) Friday November 2 Ceilidh, St. Stephen and St. Bede s Church Hall, 8:00 pm, $5.00 Monday November 26 Thursday November 29 Week of December 10 Thursday December 27 St. Andrew s Social (hosted by the Fort Garry Social Class) Last Introductory class of Fall Term Last Regular classes of Fall Term Betwixt and Between Dance

3 Week of January 14, 2013 Saturday January 26 Tuesday March 5 Thursday March 21 Saturday April 13 Week of April 22 Friday-Sunday May Wednesday May 22 Winter Term classes begin (Regular and Introductory) Burns Dinner and Dance, Silver Heights United Church Hall Class Social (hosted by the Technique Class) Last Introductory class of Winter Term Wind-up Social (hosted by the COM and Teachers) Last Regular classes of Winter Term 50 th Anniversary Workshop, Dinner and Ball AGM Please note: All dates are subject to change please check the calendar each month. Socials are at St. Paul s Church Hall at 8:00 pm, with admission of $10.00, unless otherwise noted. From the Editor October is a month of changes and contrasts. Our leafy green world of summer and the fiery yellow, orange and red leaves of September are just a memory as we settle down to preparing our homes, yards and summer places for winter. As much as we may dislike the arduous task of raking, who can resist the sound of dried leaves crunching underfoot and the joy of children, pets and the young at heart as they dive into piles of raked leaves? Earlier this month, we celebrated Thanksgiving and gave thanks for all the blessings in our lives - especially relevant this year, as we remember the Selkirk Settlers and their struggles in coming to Canada and establishing the Selkirk Settlement, which has since grown into to the wonderful City of Winnipeg. We remember why the Settlers left their homes, family and friends for this challenging and unknown land, and give thanks for the freedom and security that we enjoy today. The past summer was full of events to celebrate the Bicentennial of the arrival of the Selkirk Settlers. All of the events were very successful and well-attended a fitting tribute to the Settlers. The events also provided many opportunities to bring the Scottish community together. We hope that these experiences will strengthen the bonds within this community and encourage the various Scottish organizations to continue to support each other in the bicentennial celebrations of the second and third waves of emigrants in 2013 and As we bid farewell to the carefree days of summer, we can look forward to an exciting new year of dancing. The calendar is already filling up with events to celebrate the Branch s 50 th Anniversary in 2013, starting with the Tea and Bake Sale on October 20 th. The Growth and Development Committee is also planning a number of events, such as the Ceilidh on November 2 nd. Look for information on these and other upcoming events in this issue, as well as reports and pictures on recent events. With classes fully underway, this issue marks the return of the Class Reports, which keep us up-todate on the activities, milestones and travels of our members. A special thanks to the Light and Airy class reps for taking the time to gather this information and compile it into such interesting articles each month. Finally, I would like to welcome the members of the Introductory Class to Scottish Country Dancing and the Winnipeg Branch. We hope that you will enjoy the social, cultural and health benefits associated with this activity. Heather Ferguson Thanksgiving Poem For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends. Ralph Waldo Emerson

4 Golden Jubilee Competition Calling all Branch Members! As mentioned earlier in this issue of the Light and Airy, we are preparing a book of dances to accompany the CD that will be recorded soon for our Golden Jubilee project. We would like some help in choosing an appropriate name for the book and CD so we are having a competition to choose a name. The name must include references to the Golden Jubilee and to Winnipeg or the Prairies. For your information, two of the dances chosen are The Golden Boy and The Prairie Crocus. Entries must be submitted by November 5, 2012 to Glen Colquhoun at hgcolq@mts.net. There will be an appropriate prize for the winning entry. Christine Wallace Emergency Contact Information On behalf of the COM, I will be forwarding an to each Branch member, requesting that emergency contact information be provided. Providing this contact information is not compulsory, but would be helpful to individuals who become ill, and to those who are assisting them. Thank you. Debbie Forrest, Membership Photo Gallery Some of you may already have noticed that there is a photo gallery on the About Us page on the Branch website. If you go to Branch History, the gallery is at the bottom of the page. This one covers the Diamond Jubilee. Another gallery will be added shortly for the Selkirk Settlers Celebration Pageant and Ceilidh. There is also one of the Demo Team on the Demonstration Team page. Soon there will soon be a separate page just for photo galleries. There will also be photos on the Branch Facebook page. Sheila Careless, Webmaster Peter Stout Peter Stout of the Saskatchewan Branch passed away on October 14, Peter and his wife Ivy will be remembered as regular attendees of Winnipeg Branch weekend workshops in the past. Our condolences go out to the family. Kildonan Presbyterian Church Restoration The Bicentennial events in September included the launch of a conservation project for the 158-year old Kildonan Presbyterian Church. The event was held on the afternoon of Saturday, September 8, The standing room only crowd packed the small church in to hear about the restoration plans and meet the current Lord Selkirk. The first Selkirk Settlers arrived in 1812 and waited almost 40 years for a Presbyterian minister to join them. The Reverend John Black arrived at the Red River settlement in The settlers hauled stone from the Stonewall Quarry and spruce from Bird s Hill, and completed the church in The church was in use until a larger structure was built in Since that time, the building has mostly stood empty, unused and unheated. The church design was based on memories of the parish church in Scotland. Pictures of the Kildonan Church in Helmsdale show the similarities to the church in Winnipeg. It was the first Presbyterian Church built in Western Canada and it is the oldest stone church still standing in Winnipeg. The Friends of Historic Kildonan Presbyterian Church group was formed in the Spring of A $15,000 grant from the Winnipeg Foundation has assisted with the cost of a feasibility study on the conservation of the building. Wins Bridgman, director of the architectural firm undertaking the study, spoke at the September 8 th event regarding the church s historical significance, restoration methods and the feasibility of future use. He indicated that the full restoration could cost over $1 million. The first priority would be to stabilize the foundation, which was not designed for the permafrost of our climate. Also needed are repairs to the roof, walls and windows to waterproof the building. The building has a number of limitations, including no washroom, limited parking space and little room for expansion, being surrounded by a cemetery. However, the building is structurally sound and historically significant. Once the building has been stabilized and restored, the future use of the church will have to be decided. Some possibilities include a centre for peace or church studies or historical education. The goal is to have a sustainable building that can once again serve the community. Heather Ferguson

5 Upcoming Events Branch Ceilidh November 2, 2012 A Ceilidh evening will be held on Friday, November 2 nd, from 8:00 to 10:00 pm, at St. Stephen and St. Bede s Church Hall, 99 Turner Avenue. Admission is $5.00. Everyone is welcome. Bring your family and friends and participate in simple ceilidh dances, and enjoy the entertainment and refreshments. Debbie Forrest Growth and Development Committee Pumpkin Ceilidh November 17, 2012 The Annual Pumpkin Ceilidh is being held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at the United Church in Meadowood, 1111 Dakota Street, starting at 7:30 pm. This is an evening of prizes, surprises, and fun for the whole family. There will be dancing for all to participate and entertainment as well as light refreshments of a pumpkin theme. Come join the fun. There will a silver collection at the door, with proceeds going towards the church. For more information, contact Cheryl Durnin at Cheryl Durnin Bicentennial Event Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra November 9 and 10, 2012 Although most of the Bicentennial events took place between August 31 and September 9, 2012, there is still one other event planned. On November 9 and 10, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will be presenting the World Premiere of Red River by Sid Rabinovitch, along with Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major by Beethoven and Symphony No. 3 in A Minor (The Scottish Symphony) by Mendelssohn. Information on the history of the Selkirk Settlement, as well as special events held to celebrate the Bicentenary, can be found on the Bicentenary of the Red River Selkirk Settlement website at St. Andrew s Social November 26, 2012 The Fort Garry Social Class invites everyone to come out and join us for the St. Andrew's Social on Monday, November 26 th, 8:00 pm, at St. Paul's Church Hall. The Dance Program for the social is as follows: The Hospitality Circle St. Andrew s Social Dance Program 32J RTR LADT The Highland Fair 32J2 Graded Book Glasgow Lasses 32S2 Book 34 The Saltire Society Reel 32R3 Leaflet St. Andrew s Fair 32J3 5 SCDs MacDonald of the Isles 32S3 D Haynes Intermission Flowers of Edinburgh 32R3 Book 1 Tribute to the Borders 32J3 Leaflet Sugar Candie 32S3 Book 26 The De il Amang the Tailors 32R3 Book 14 Waltz Crib notes for the dances are available on the Branch website. Joyce Cormack Class Reports Fort Garry Social Class The Social Class has resumed for another year with an air of celebration. Many of us are still on a high from the Selkirk Settlers Bicentenary celebrations. Moreover, we have the 50 th anniversary of our Branch to look forward to in This year will be a blast for those of us who cherish all things Scottish. Two of our Branch members are celebrating milestones. Virginia Stevens and yours truly have both become first time great grandparents this summer. Virginia just announced the arrival of wee Isabelle in Germany and we had Michael Glynn arrive July 2 nd in Mississauga, Ontario. So if we look old to you, remember, we earned that look!

6 Two other Branch members, Agnes Brydon and Donna Robinson, have been off on a wine tour of France, having left September 25 th. After two weeks of French culinary delights and wines, those gals will need Scottish Country Dancing to pay for all that indulgence. Also, our Class is pleased to welcome Joyce Cormack as our first term instructor. We celebrate the fact that after all her efforts to achieve RSCDS teacher certification, she has the opportunity to practice her new skills. Speaking of practice, if you want to practice your dancing skills, come and join us on Monday evenings at St. Paul s. My instructors at REH-Fit tell me exercise is medicine, and from my experience, Scottish Country dancing is medicine for both body and mind. See you in class! John Giesbrecht Technique Class Report The technique class has had a very good beginning for this dancing season. Cheryl Durnin, our teacher, has chosen some unusual and fun dances to get us on our toes. She is making sure we get right into the pleasure of being in the right place at the right time. We danced The Last of the Lairds, which has a cross-over reel of three in which each couple crosses over when they reach the top of the set. It was pretty challenging, and Doug Durnin commented that the Mounties do these reels easily on horseback. Cheryl will be a guest teacher at the Medicine Hat workshop and was planning some horse and western ideas for her class. We have had about 22 dancers each night, with dancers still returning from summer adventures. Everyone is so happy to see each other that there is a great deal of chatter before we get started. We welcomed visitor Jean Miller who made a stop in Winnipeg on her way home from Australia to Barrie, Ontario. Here is a little bit of member news. Scott MacRae has been in New Orleans. Donna McNamara was on a bicycle trip in Minnesota. Agnes Brydon and Donna Robinson have been on a wine tour in France. Ken Nattrass and Ron Krug played for the Saskatoon weekend workshop and reported the weather was great - while the dancing was all inside. Jane Nattrass enjoyed the dancing so much that she injured herself. We have been waiting for Jane s golf season to be over so that she can join us for dancing again. Joan and Reg Curle are house-sitting near San Francisco, and are hiking and exploring and have visited a vineyard in Napa as well as finding dance classes in the area. Anne Morrison has joined them for some hot weather. Pat Clubb saw Margaret Fentum recently. Margaret is very well and has two new knees!! Claire McMahon welcomed grandson Hunter (8 lb., 9 oz.), born on October 10, And one final note: one man was looking for a partner the other night in class, and had three choices one with a frozen shoulder, one with a gimpy leg and the third with a gimpy foot. These injured dancers didn t want to miss the fun even though they weren t able to dance. It is great to be back for a new season of dancing! Janet Woodford Introductory Class The Introduction to Scottish Country Dancing is a new and different class this year. There is no syllabus of must know figures and formations. We're looking for people who have an interest in Scottish Country Dancing, as well as a fun time. Well!! Over 2 sets of people (17), with a wide range of abilities, have registered. Participants are encouraged to either dance or walk, as long as it's in time to the music. It is indeed a joyful atmosphere, and the dancers really work well together. The October 11 class was cancelled because of the Art Show, leaving seven more sessions. Branch members are invited to come to the class whenever they can. Your Branch name tag is a must, otherwise you will get harassed by the teacher. Maureen Burnham Teacher Demonstration Team The Demonstration Team had a busy summer, with demonstrations at the Pavilion of Scotland (August 14) and various Bicentennial activities (Barge Fest on September 2, the RSCDS Bicentennial Pageant and Ceilidh on September 7, and the Bicentennial Gala Dinner on September 8). Upcoming demonstrations include the following: December 1 MHDA Tartan Tea December 9 Festival of Trees and Lights Agnes Brydon

7 Event Reports Selkirk Settlers Pageant and Ceilidh Do you know the story of how the Selkirk Settlers came to Manitoba? Why would they leave their homeland? On September 7 th, members and former members of the Branch told that story through song, dance, and recitation at a pageant at Lower Fort Garry. Great thanks to all who worked so hard to make this event happen, especially Christine Wallace, who wrote the script for the pageant and led the planning committee. Sheila Careless The pageant told of how the Scottish people were forced from the land they loved, and sent across the ocean to a place completely unknown to them. Weeks on board a ship, cramped conditions, mouldy food - all to come to settle in a new land but not knowing what they would find when they arrived. To find that they had to travel further for the winter added to their hardship. Closing Remarks from Lord Selkirk at the Ceilidh Here and There Update on the Travels of Maggie Careless Scene from the Pageant They had to work very hard for so much that we take for granted. We can only imagine their excitement when they finally were able to start their new settlements. So to show that excitement, we did what Scots like to do to celebrate: we partied!! We had a Ceilidh!! Both the pageant and the ceilidh were well attended and enjoyed by all who were there. We were privileged to have in attendance Lord Selkirk who enjoyed himself so much that he danced every dance and stayed for the sing-a-long. There were so many people who wanted to dance that we had to do them in groups! What a fun night it was. We were told in the story that the Settlers brought with them a bushel of wheat and planted it in Winnipeg to start the first European agricultural settlement in Manitoba. So when you drive through our beautiful province and see the numerous wheat fields, think of the Selkirk Settlers and be thankful for all they did to begin what we now call our homeland. Those of you who knew former Branch member Maggie Careless are aware that she is enjoying life on the other side of the pond. She left Winnipeg at the end of June, and spent a few weeks in London (got out before the athletes arrived), enjoying all that London has to offer, including a visit to the Globe Theatre to see Henry VI and also a night out to see Les Miserables. She headed to Cardiff, Wales for a bit, and then spent three weeks in Edinburgh, Scotland. She really enjoyed it there but was surprised how chilly it was even though it was July. Maggie has shared some great pictures of a threeday tour of Scotland that she went on with people she had met at her hostel. After a short time in York, she settled in Bristol, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately, work was hard to come by in Bristol so she is now back in London, working in a temporary position in a small law firm. When I asked Maggie if she would go back to Bristol, she said she wasn t sure. I think London has captured her heart! Her holiday/work visa is good for two years and it looks like she will take full advantage of that and make the most of her time there. She has been doing all the great touristy things and still finds there are many things to do. Sheila Careless

8 Pacific Grove, CA November 2-4, 2012 RSCDS San Francisco Branch Asilomar Weekend Workshop and Ball Teachers: Rebecca Blackhall-Peters, Roberta Gotfried, Dwayne McQuilliams, Antoine Rousseau, and Janet Lois Walker Music: Calum MacKinnon & Andy Imbrie, Fiddlesticks and Ivory Contact: Julee Montes ( r Maggie Careless exploring Great Britain Out of Town Events Ottawa, ON October 20-21, 2012 RSCDS Ottawa Branch Workshop, Concert and War of 1812 Tea Dance Teachers: Deirdre MacCuish Bark and Moria Korus Music: Highland Oasis Contact: Bob and Barb Anglin ( ) Medicine Hat, AB October 26-28, 2012 RSCDS Medicine Hat Branch 37 th Annual Workshop, Banquet and Ball Teachers: Rebecca Blackhall-Peters (Langley, BC) and Cheryl Durnin (Winnipeg, MB) Music: Ron Krug, Ken Nattrass and Dennis Orr Contact: Anne Baxter ( or Kingston, ON November 2-4, 2012 RSCDS Kingston Branch 46 th Annual Workshop and Ball Teachers: Alicia Manson (Oakville), Irene Townsend (Edmonton), and Alan Twhigg (CA) Music: The Scottish Accent Contact: Barbara Kisilevsky ( or Santa Fe, NM November 2-4, 2012 RSCDS New Mexico Branch Gala Scottish Dance Weekend Teachers: Bill Zobel and Tine McKay Music: Muriel Johnstone and Judi Nicholson Contact: Rob Sanders Christchurch, NZ December 28, 2012 January 6, 2013 RSCDS New Zealand Branch Ilam Summer School Dancing classes, Teacher s Preparation Class, Musicians Course Teachers: Gaye Collin (Wellington) and Mechthild Timmins (Adelaide) Contact: Doug Mills (doug.mills@rscdsnzb.org.nz or ) Honolulu, HI February 15-17, 2013 RSCDS Hawaii Branch Aloha Winter Weekend Teachers: Bruce Herbold, David Newitt, Patti Cobb Music: Humuhumunukunukuapua a & Strathspey Society Band Contact: Melissa Lindsay ( or MLindsay@hawaii.rr.com) Be sure to check the Inter-City Scot website for more information on dancing events in other cities (there is a link on the Winnipeg Branch website). Important Dates COM meetings: COM meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month from October to May. Exceptions are Tuesday, November 6, 2012 and Thursday, January 10, Next L&A: Deadline for the November 2012 issue is November 9, Members are encouraged to submit articles, pictures or information of interest to Branch members. This and the past 11 issues of the Light and Airy are posted on the Branch website (rscdswinnipeg.ca).